Iron(III) complexes of 2-acetylpyridine-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazones: Magnetic,E.s.r. and spectral studies

Summary Iron(III) complexes of 2-acetylpyridine-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (LH) with the general formulae FeLX₂ (X = Cl, Br, NO₃ or SCN) and FeLSO₄ have been prepared and characterised by elemental analysis and by magnetic measurements in the polycrystalline state in the 77–298 K range and by electronic, i.r. and e.s.r. spectra. The FeLX₂ species (X = Cl, NCS or NO₃) are square pyramidal of intermediate spin-state (S=3/2) with an⁴A₂ ground state. The magnetic behaviour of FeLSO₄ is commensurate with high order effects coupled with antiferromagnetic exchange interactions. FeLBr₂ is a spin-free dimer involving bromine bridging between two FeLBr₂ square pyramids. However, the low-spin species [FeL(DMF)₃]²⁺ exists in dimethylformamide solution.